Arabella Scott

Arabella Scott was a prominent Scottish suffragette and activist in the early 20th century. She is best known for her involvement in the women's suffrage movement and her participation in the hunger strikes that were a hallmark of the suffragette campaign for voting rights.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Arabella Scott was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the late 19th century. She grew up in a period of significant social and political change, which influenced her later activism. Her early education and family background played a crucial role in shaping her views on women's rights and social justice.

Suffrage Movement[edit | edit source]

Arabella Scott became actively involved in the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), a leading organization in the fight for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom. The WSPU, founded by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters, was known for its militant tactics, which included protests, demonstrations, and acts of civil disobedience.

Hunger Strikes[edit | edit source]

One of the most notable aspects of Arabella Scott's activism was her participation in hunger strikes. These strikes were a form of protest against the imprisonment of suffragettes and the harsh conditions they faced in jail. Arabella Scott was arrested multiple times for her involvement in suffragette activities and endured force-feeding while on hunger strike, a practice that drew significant public attention and sympathy for the suffragette cause.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Arabella Scott's dedication to the suffrage movement contributed to the eventual success of the campaign for women's voting rights. The Representation of the People Act 1918 granted voting rights to women over the age of 30 who met certain property qualifications, and the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928 extended the vote to all women over the age of 21, achieving equal voting rights with men.